Water Damage

Water damage is hazardous to your health and dangerous for your home or business, therefore time is of the essence when it occurs. If treated quickly, you can minimize the damage, reduce restoration costs and prevent the growth of mold, and other contaminants.

Uncontrolled amounts of water in any form may cause warping, swelling, cracking and deterioration. C&L Construction understands the damage water can do and responds quickly and efficiently with 24 hours a day 7 days a week emergency service for water extraction and drying. C&L Construction maintains a significant inventory of air movers, as well as desiccant and refrigeration dehumidification equipment for use by our experts in this specialized field. We provide moisture evaluation and testing to ensure effective and complete drying. As a result, our clients are guaranteed a thorough and effective cleanup, remediation and restoration.

The silver lining in water damage is that one does not have to idly sit by and wait for the aftermath. The property owner can take a proactive stance and do what is necessary to prepare for the impending deluge. Taking this kind of attitude can not only protect the structural integrity of the home but it can also mean a lot when it comes to the safety of the family.

One of the causes of the water damage is that people underestimate the potential for its severity. This does not have to be the case because of advancements in the technology of weather prediction and flooding patterns. To fully know the scenario that can occur in the event of a flood, the property owner should be aware of the flood risk in which the property is located. If the owner is not sure of the situation, then contacting the pertinent local agencies such as the Red Cross or Emergency Management Office can provide practical advice. In addition to these agencies, the planning or zoning department of the county can give important information that can let the property owner know how to react to a potential storm.

If the weather has been bad for several days, it is necessary to pay attention to the signs that flooding can occur. Even if it stops, it is still important to be alert to the possibility of flood. Even a small bit of rainfall can cause havoc when the water levels are already high due to previous rains. The best way for the average homeowner to be aware of the surroundings is to listen to the news for flood information. It is not always reliable to check the outside for signs of flooding because there are some situations when the water can rush in very quickly.

For the property owner, preparation for water damage in the prospect of a storm also means getting acquainted to the terms that are used to warn people of the dangers. Two of the most important include flood watch and flood warning. A flood watch means that there is a possibility of flooding in the location. On the other hand, a flood waning means that the flooding is already beginning or is about to begin within the vicinity.

Protect the appliances and furniture

When there is a danger of water damage because of a storm, prepare for it by raising the electrical appliances such as the furnace, heater, and stoves. These, and other similar items, deserve special attention because they can be quite dangerous when they are wet. Not only does it cost a lot to replace them, it can lead to electrocution when they are exposed to moisture.

Property owners are advised to pay close attention to low places in the property such as basements because these are the most prone to water damage. The reason for this is that gravity works on water as well, drawing them downwards. Lessen the risk of damage by ensuring that the items are secure and the drainages are clear. Usually, basements are the places where chemicals such as paints and oils are kept. Place these in high locations or tighten the lids because the water can tip them over and lead to poisoning or adverse reactions to those that it comes in contact with.

A water damage plan is incomplete unless a family disaster plan is in the picture. Loved ones can also be subjected to the dangers of water that go beyond drowning. Some of the risks that the water from a storm can bring are diseases due to pathogens. The runoff of the water can contain traces of manure or feces that can contain contaminants. Mold and mildew can also be brought in because of the excess moisture provided by the storm.

Finally, do not forget to turn off the electricity, water and gas systems in the property before leaving. They can be among the things that can be damaged by the water and pose a risk to the occupants as well as the people working in it later on. After the storm, do not immediately turn on these amenities a as the potential of leaks and even explosions can still exist. For example, a professional is needed in order to turn the gas back on.

Water damage and Restorative Drying services offered:

-24 hour emergency water extraction
-Applied structural drying enables carpet and pad dried in place
-Contents removal and offsite drying available
-Wall cavity drying
-Non-intrusive and intrusive testing for moisture and humidity
-Refrigerant and desiccant dehumidification
-Injectidry wall cavity dryingSewage mitigation and sanitization
-Mold remediation using state of the art technology

Immediate Action is important. Your home or business and its content are less likely to grow mold if they are dried within 48 hours.

1. Put your safety first: water may cause damage to the foundations, short circuits in the electrical system and carry biological hazards. Learn the safety rules to protect yourself and avoid injury or infection

2. Secure your property and personal belongings from further damage
Visible Causes of Water Damage:

Roof Leaks
Roofing materials wear out and expose the roof decking to moisture intrusion and damage, especially around roof penetrations like chimneys, plumbing vents, and exhaust fans. Worn out shingles tend to curl and crack, allowing moisture intrusion. Cracked chimney caps allow water into interior areas of the chimney. Rain water accumulates between the roof and a blocked gutter. Flat roof drains can clog and hold water on the roof, increasing the risks of a leak and a possible collapse of the entire roof under the weight of the water.

Attics
Poor attic insulation and ventilation allows heat to escape, turning rooftop snow into an ice dam. Ice-dams often force moisture to back up under roof shingles where it can drip into the attic or walls.

Windows and Doors
Improperly installed windows and doors allow moisture to penetrate into the wall. Damaged seals, weather-stripping, and flashing around windows or doors can cause windblown moisture penetration.

Gutter & Drain
Clogged gutters can force rainwater to travel under shingles, or to overflow and travel down interior walls. An insufficient number of drains can cause an overflow. Gutters that don’t empty far enough away from foundation walls can lead to damage and a wet basement. Frozen gutters can act exactly like ice dams, pushing moisture up under the shingles and into the house.

Rainwater
Rainwater collects along the foundation wall or beneath the floor during wet months unless directed away by proper drainage.

Landscape Grade
Improper landscape grading can result in drainage toward foundation walls, rather than away from them.

Invisible Causes of Water Damage:

Heating & Air Conditioning Systems
Failure to clean and service air conditioners can lead to poor performance, higher operating costs and moisture problems. Moist and dusty cooling ducts promote mold and other water-borne biological growth.

Plumbing
Plumbing fixtures usually develop leaks due to pipe joint, or hose attachment failures.
Internal wall leaks are hard to detect and often result in significant damage.

Basements
A damp basement is frequently caused by accumulations of moisture dripping through concrete foundations. The moisture evaporates, increasing indoor humidity even if there are no visible leaks or standing water. Another common cause is condensation on the cold concrete walls and floors during more humid months.

Appliances
Water heaters, washers, and dryers tend to rust and crack over time, allowing water to drip out. These appliances can leak slowly or cause a flood if severely damaged. Their hoses tend to deteriorate from the inside out, resulting in leaks as well. Damage can be significantly heavier when the leaky appliance is installed upstairs or in an attic.
Kitchen leaks from a worn seal can divert water into walls and wooden counter top supports.

Pipes
Common pipe problems include blocked toilets and drains (especially kitchen drains, where grease accumulates), stoppages of garbage disposals, roots in sewer lines and deterioration and bursting of water lines.

Weather
Others reasons for water damage are unpredictable summer storms, floods, and other water- accompanied disasters such as hurricanes, blizzards, and tornados.

Storm and water damage can happen at any time. Most often these two things happen together. Weather it be a damaged roof or tornado or other type of storm, these can cause water damage inside your home. Water damage can also occur due to damaged or faulty plumbing, leaky roofs and faulty fixtures inside your home. Whatever your case, we are here to help dry out and restore your home to better than original quality.